James vs Terence

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Terence Rank #2,926

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2926 for Terence.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Terence ___

  • Terence James
  • Terence Patrick
  • Terence Michael
  • Terence William
  • Terence Joseph
  • Terence Anthony

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Terence

Lawrence Colin Brendan Maureen Patricia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is James or Terence more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Terence at #2926 in the United States.

What do James and Terence mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Terence means "smooth, tender" (Latin/Oscan origin).

Are James and Terence boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Terence is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Terence Browse all baby names